WHEN opposing managers wax lyrical about Swindon Town in the build-up to games it is usually the same old mind games that can be taken with a pinch of salt, writes Danny Hall.

I am much more inclined to accept the comments at face value when a boss puts aside obvious disappointment after his side has been beaten and still sings Town’s praises.

Chesterfield lost 3-1 to Swindon Town on Saturday and their boss Paul Cook said after the game: “I think Swindon are a fantastic team and I hope they go on and get promotion because they deserve it.”

That was charitable as his Spireites were suffering their first defeat in eight games and had played their part in an entertaining affair. It was always going to be a tough ask for Chesterfield when they had let in three goals by the second minute after the interval.

All three goals were well-taken: Jack Stephens’ glancing header off a demon of a Harry Toffolo cross, with two or three other Swindon players queuing up to add the final touch if the big centre back didn’t.

John Swift capped his best game for Swindon by standing surprisingly strong when challenged inside the box and then showing great composure to turn and finish well. And, finally, Andy Williams showed once again that he is a striker who feasts on confidence.

A few weeks ago he was given a one-on-one chance against Doncaster and fluffed his lines. On Saturday, he was put through in an almost identical position and this time there was no mistake.

I can’t say it is a surprise that his strike partner Michael Smith is suffering a goal drought, but Williams’ goal-glut – 18 this season already – is a bolt from the blue.

Bradford would rather go to Chelsea for an FA Cup match on Saturday instead of taking up their scheduled league visit to Swindon. That’s good news for Massimo Luongo and Yaser Kasim, whose Australia and Iraq teams have both now safely negotiated the pool stages of the Asian Cup.

It means they will miss one less game of Swindon’s promotion push as they will have returned in time for any rescheduled Bradford fixture.

Not so happy is Town chairman and owner Lee Power.

With only one home game in January (Chesterfield), gate money has been in short supply.

And it comes at a time when he belatedly has had to cough up some rent arrears to Swindon Council and was also ordered in a county court case to pay £36,000 (£20,000 in damages and £12,000 in costs) after a breach of contract dispute with scout Ron Terry.